System for treating heart valve malfunction including mitral regurgitation

ABSTRACT

A system for treating heart valve malfunction specifically including mitral regurgitation comprising a positioning structure operative to assume both expanded and contracted orientations and a retaining assembly positioned and structured to operatively dispose the positioning structure in moveably supporting lifting and/or positioning relation to the ventricular wall portion of the heart. The retaining assembly and the positioning structure are cooperatively disposed and structured to accomplish a shape variance of the heart upon a lifting or positioning force being exerted thereon substantially concurrent to the positioning structure being disposed in the expanded orientation. The force exerted on the heart at least partially defines a shape variance thereof to the extent of positioning of the leaflets of the mitral valve into a closed orientation which restricts mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to an intra-pericardial surgically introduced positioning structure that is disposed and structured to repetitively assume an expanded orientation and a contracted orientation. As such, a repetitively and temporarily “lifting” or “shaping” force is exerted on the exterior of the myocardium in synchronization with the heartbeat thereby positioning the leaflets of the mitral valve to close to a sufficient degree to eliminate or restrict mitral regurgitation.

2. Description of the Related Art

As clearly disclosed in the prior art schematic representation of FIG. 1, the human heart is a four chambered pump that moves blood efficiently through the vascular system. During normal operation, blood enters the heart through the vena cava and flows into the right atrium. Thereafter, blood flows from the right atrium through the tricuspid valve and into the right ventricle. Upon contraction of the right ventricle, blood is forced through the pulmonic or pulmonary valve and into the lungs for oxygenation. The oxygenated blood returns from the lungs and enters the heart through the left atrium and passes through the mitral valve into the left ventricle. Upon contraction of the left ventricle the blood therein flows through the aortic valve and into the aorta and throughout the vascular system.

As indicated, the mitral valve is disposed in flow regulating communication between the left atrium and the left ventricle. The structural and/or operative components of the mitral valve comprises two valve leaflets, the mitral valve annulus, which forms a ring that supports the valve leaflets; papillary muscles, which tether the valve leaflets to the left ventricle wall, thereby preventing them from prolapsing back into the left atrium. Chordae tendineae serve to connect the mitral valve leaflets to the papillary muscles thereby further preventing the leaflets from prolapsing back into the left atrium. A dysfunction of any of the described mitral valve apparatus can cause “mitral regurgitation”. Mitral regurgitation is a disorder of the heart in which the leaflets of the mitral valve do not close properly when the heart pumps out blood. This abnormal leaking of blood from the left ventricle, through the mitral valve and, into the left atrium when the left ventricle contracts, results in the “regurgitation” of blood back into the left atrium. It is generally recognized in the medical profession that mitral regurgitation is the second most common form of valvular heart disease.

As generally set forth above, when properly functioning, the anterior and posterior valve leaflets of the mitral valve overlap during contraction of the left ventricle and prevent blood from flowing back into the left atrium. This overlap of the two leaflets leaning upon each other is called the “coaptation” and absorbs most of the strain on the mitral apparatus during the ventricular contraction. However, when the mitral valve malfunctions, due to various cardiac diseases, the leaflets are no longer coapting resulting in the mitral valve remaining partially open during ventricular contraction. In turn this allows the aforementioned “regurgitation” of the blood back into the left atrium, as generally set forth above. When the mitral valve does not close hermetically during the ventricular contraction, the aforementioned back flow of blood to the atrium and the pulmonary vasculature, results in a deleterious condition. More specifically, this condition increases the work load to the heart and may lead to heart failure.

The mitral valve is intended to open fully so as to provide no resistance to the blood stream progressing from the left atrium (LA) into the left ventricle (LV) during diastoly (the ventricular relaxation phase) and to close fully during the systoly (the ventricular ejection phase) so as to prevent the blood from flowing back into the atrium and into the pulmonary venous circulation. The role of the mitral valve is therefore to ensure antegrade progression of the blood through the left cardiac chambers. It works in synchrony with the three other heart valves that are ensuring the same function between the right atrium (RA) i.e. the pulmonic valve and downstream to the mitral valve, between the left ventricle and the aorta i.e. the aortic valve at the junction.

From a mechanical standpoint the mitral valve has to face high gradients of pressure during the ventricular contraction to hold up against a pressure head of about 100 mm of mercury (Hg) or more, which is substantially the peak pressure in the LV being usually superior or equal to 110 mmHg and the one in the atrium around 8 mmHg. This strain is absorbed mostly by the coaptation of the two mitral leaflets when closed, leaning on each other with a contact height around 10 mm over the entire length of the mitral coaptation line. The coaptation of the leaflets depends on the adequate anatomy (integrity of their structures) and adequate function of 5 components, which are 1. the mitral annulus, 2. the anterior and posterior leaflets, 3. the mitral chordae, 4. the papillary muscles (PPM) and 5. the ventricular walls themselves. Any congenital malformation or acquired lesion of one or more of these components can lead to a mitral insufficiency—also known as mitral regurgitation (MR) or, as emphasized herein, a failure of the mitral valve to hermetically close during the ventricular contraction and the leaking of a variable amount of blood back into the LA.

This situation is correlated with a poor outcome for the patient, since it increases the workload to the heart, as well as it increases the left atrial and ventricular chambers volumes. Furthermore, the existence of severe mitral regurgitation and ventricular dilation generate a vicious cycle in which MR begets more MR. Indeed, when the ventricle increases in size the distance between the papillary muscles increases, tethering the mitral chordae and impeding their full motion up to the plane of the annulus. This pathophysiological continuum leads to heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation and ultimately death.

Known treatment for MR comprises the administration of pharmacological drugs and the fixing the regurgitation by either, a surgical repair (the vast majority of the cases >98%) including a surgical repair or replacement of the valve or in some selected cases, using an emerging percutaneous technology that is still under evaluation (the Mitraclip®). Although there is a considerable trend to fix the MR as early as possible in its natural course, the indication and timing of the intervention rely also on the etiology of the condition, as well as on the functional anatomy and structural damage to the valve and the ventricle.

One particular case of mitral regurgitation targeted by the present invention is called ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). Ischemia to the heart relates to an insufficient blood supply to the myocardium because of narrowed (stenosed) coronary arteries. This condition is extremely prevalent and the number one killer in the USA. The natural history of coronary artery disease (stenosis) is to evolve towards acute vessel occlusion leading to acute myocardial infarction (myocardial necrosis i.e. cellular death secondary to cellular asphyxia in the territory irrigated by the occluded artery). The onset of mitral ischemia is a very bad prognostic factor in the acute phase of myocardial infarction.

Repairing ischemic mitral insufficiency poses particular problems and challenges that have been approached in different ways. However, many of such approaches have been disappointing on the very mid-term, with most studies reporting ≧40% of failure rate only two years after the surgery. Most of the proposed solutions are targeted towards the annulus and the leaflets although the mitral valve apparatus is anatomically normal and the functional problem is of ventricular origin. Indeed, the scar tissue replacing the death of the myocardium during the body repair process is immobile and remains distended in systoly. Therefore, by tethering as above-mentioned, the mobility of the entire mitral apparatus attached to it is impaired resulting in the PPM, the chordae and the leaflets being pulled “down” or away from the plane of the mitral annulus. This impeaches the leaflet (usually the posterior leaflet) to reach the point where it should coapt with its anterior counterpart. More technically, this mechanism corresponds to a type IIIb according to Carpentier's classification. It is an extremely frequent phenomenon.

Similarly other, “non-ischemic” etiologies leading to mitral regurgitation, such as for example idiopathic cardiomyopathy, could benefit from the implementation and practice of one or more to the embodiments of the present invention, as described in detail herein. An alternative solution allowing an easier, safer and possibly more durable reduction or disappearance of the mitral regurgitation has been sought, based on the premise that the IMR is a “ventricular disease” thereby suggesting a ventricular solution rather than concentrating on an approach to a normal annulus or normal leaflet.

Accordingly, there is a need in the medical arts for appropriate instrumentation, method and/or system of overcoming heart valve malfunctions, specifically including mitral regurgitation, as described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an intra-pericardial surgically introduced positioning structure that is disposed between the inner surface of the pericardium and the outer surface of the myocardium. Moreover, the positioning structure is operative to repetitively assume an expanded orientation and a contracted orientation. As such, structural and operative features of the positioning structure serve to repetitively and temporarily exert a “lifting” or “shaping” force on the exterior of the myocardium, specifically in the area of the ventricular wall supporting the tethered papillary muscle. The delivery of such a temporary and repetitive lifting or shaping force, in synchronization with the heartbeat or cardiac cycle, enable one of the mitral leaflets, typically a tethered posterior leaflet, to meet its anterior counterpart and coapt to a sufficient degree to eliminate or restrict mitral regurgitation. For purposes of clarity, the terms “lifting force” or “shaping force” or their equivalents are compatible in that the force exerted on the heart will temporarily and repetitively at least partially change the “shape” of the heart to the extent of “lifting” the left ventricular wall in a manner which facilitates a positioning of at least one of the mitral leaflets into a coapting relation with the other mitral leaflet.

Accordingly, the positioning structure is structured and operative to assume the expanded orientation and the contracted orientation on a repetitive basis in synchronization with the heartbeat. During the expanded orientation, the position the affected mitral leaflet is forced into a closed position during systoly and prevents or significantly restricts mitral regurgitation. Further, the positioning structure may be in the form of a flexible and/or expandable material bladder or “balloon”, which is capable of being inflated and deflated to assume the expanded and contracted orientations respectively.

A retaining assembly is positioned and structured to operatively dispose the positioning structure in moveably supporting relation to an exterior wall portion of the heart. As set forth above and in more specific terms, the retaining assembly and the positioning structure are cooperatively disposed, dimensioned and structured to operatively dispose the positioning structure in supporting and force exerting position relative to the ventricular wall portion with supports the tethered papillary muscle. Upon assumption of the positioning structure in the expanded orientation, the exertion of the lifting and shaping force is sufficient in degree and direction to enable the tethered posterior leaflet, or other affected leaflet, to meet its counterpart leaflet of the mitral valve and assume a sealing relation therewith.

Accordingly, at least one embodiment of the retaining assembly includes at least one substantially semi-rigid guide wire or like structure, having sufficient flexibility to be guided or maneuvered into a position about the ventricular wall or the large vessels of the cardiac outflow tracks, through the transfer sinus (sinus Theild). However, in at least one additional preferred embodiment the retaining assembly may include a retaining structure in the form of a net-like sack, sock or bag structure and/or configuration. Further, the net, sack, etc., is preferably formed from an open mesh material comprising a plurality of strands connected in at least partially spaced relation to one another. As such, the open mesh material of the retaining structure is dimensioned so as to at least partially overlie, enclose and/or surround the biventricular wall of the myocardium. In such a preferred position or orientation, the open mesh retaining structure will serve to dispose the expandable and contractible positioning structure in an appropriate position relative to the aforementioned ventricular wall associated with the tethered papillary muscle. In such position and as set forth above, the positioning structure will exert sufficient force, when expanded, to effectively “lift” the affected mitral leaflet into closing relation to the counterpart leaflet of the mitral valve.

When the positioning structure is in the form of the aforementioned inflatable structure such as, but not limited to, a bladder or balloon, a pump assembly is operatively associated therewith. More specifically the pump assembly and/or the main body of the pump is dimensioned and configured to be surgically inserted and maintained within the chest cavity in fluid communication with the inflatable positioning structure. Moreover, the pump assembly is structured, in cooperation with other operative components of the system of the present invention, to cause and regulate the inflation and deflation of the inflatable retaining structure in a manner which corresponds to and/or is synchronized with the intended heartbeat or cardiac cycle.

In yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the positioning structure comprises or is at least partially defined by the strands of the open mesh retaining structure. In such an embodiment, at least some of the strands are inflatable thereby enabling the transverse dimension or diameter of certain ones of the plurality of strands to expand and contract in accordance with their being inflated and deflated. In this embodiment, the pump is disposed in fluid communication with the plurality of inflatable/deflatable strands of the open mesh material, which may be used in combination with the inflatable and deflatable or expandable/contractible positioning structure. In contrast, the open mesh material comprising a plurality of inflatable strands may be used independent of any type of expandable or contractible positioning member. Therefore, the retaining structure may define an expandable or contractible positioning member to the extent of causing a “shape variance” of the myocardium. As indicated such a shape variance is applied to the extent of providing a lifting and/or positioning force on the ventricular wall associated with the tethered papillary muscle in order to lift or reposition an affected leaflet of the mitral valve into a closed orientation with its counterpart leaflet.

As emphasized, the heart shape varying force exerted on the heart wall by the expandable/contactable positioning structure, in its different forms described herein, should be synchronized with the heartbeat or cardiac cycle. Accordingly, the aforementioned pump assembly is operable in combination with an activating assembly connected to at least the retaining structure in an operative relation to the heart. The activating assembly is structured to detect electrical activity of the heart and as such may comprise a plurality of electrodes connected to the open mesh material of the retaining structure or other portions of a different embodiment of the retaining structure in a manner which detects such electrical activity.

In addition, the plurality of electrodes are operatively disposed in a predetermined array relative to the heart so as to facilitate the activating assembly having both “sensing” capabilities and “pacing” capabilities. As such, the sensing capabilities are operative to synchronize the expansion and contraction of the positioning structure so as to coincide with the cardiac cycle, as indicated above. Moreover, the pacing capabilities are operative to stimulate the heart into a biventricular resynchronization pacing. As used herein, the term “biventricular synchronization” is meant to include the stimulating or “pacing” of the heart in a manner that left and right ventricles expand and contract in a manner which facilitates normal or acceptable blood flow through the heart in accordance with a normal or acceptable cardiac cycle.

In order to accomplish the aforementmentioned sensing and pacing capabilities the activating assembly further comprises and/or is associated with a processor, electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes and to the operative circuitry associated with a processor. Therefore the combined circuitry of the processor, as well as the other operative components of the activating assembly, are operatively determinative of the sensing capabilities and facilitate the synchronized expansion and contraction of the positioning structure and/or the expansion and contraction of the inflatable strands of the retaining structure, dependent on the embodiment utilized.

Therefore, the system and the operative components associated therewith as well as the method of application for eliminating or restricting the occurrence of mitral regurgitation include the exertion of a force on the exterior of the heart wall thereby temporarily and repetitively providing “shape variance” of the heart. The variance in the shape of the heart will be caused by an effective “lifting” or positioning action exerted by an expansion of the positioning structure such that an affected leaflet such as, but not limited to, the posterior mitral valve leaflet, is lifted or positioned into a substantially sealing and/or closing engagement with its counterpart leaflet.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a normally functioning human heart and a representation of blood flow there through.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exterior view of the human heart with a positioning structure of the present invention operatively disposed relative thereto.

FIG. 2A is a schematic detailed view in partial cutaway of a portion of the positioning structure at least as represented to FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an an exterior view of the human heart with the positioning structure of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 2A disposed in an operative position in combination with one embodiment of a retaining assembly.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an exterior view of the human heart with another preferred embodiment of the retaining assembly and associated retaining structure used in combination with the positioning structure of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 through 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of yet another preferred embodiment of the positioning structure and retaining assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 through 4 in further combination with an activating assembly.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As represented in the accompanied drawings, the present invention is directed to a system for treating heart valve malfunction specifically including mitral regurgitation, wherein the various operative structural components are represented throughout FIGS. 2 through 5. For purpose of clarity a representative human heart is generally indicated as 100 and is surrounded and/or enclosed by a pericardium 102, wherein the operative and structural components of the system of the present invention are located within the interior of the chest cavity 104. In providing a clear perspective of the environment in which the system of the present invention is practiced, the outer chest wall 106, chest cavity 104, pericardium 102 and heart 100 are all represented in schematic form.

In more specific terms, the system of the present invention is directed to an intra-pericardial, surgically introduced positioning structure 10 located between the inner surface of the pericardium 102 and the outer surface of the heart wall as explained in greater detail hereinafter. As such, the positioning structure 10 is operative to assume an expanded orientation and a contracted orientation. Therefore, the positioning member, in at least one preferred embodiment, may be in the form of an inflatable structure as at 10′ represented in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Moreover, the inflatable structure 10′ may be in the form of a flexible, inflatable material such as, but not limited to, a bladder or balloon structure. Moreover, the inflation and deflation of the positioning structure 10′ serves dispose it in the aforementioned aforementioned expanded and contracted orientations respectively. In cooperation therewith, a pump assembly generally indicated as 12 may disposed in fluid communication, as at 14, with the inflatable positioning member 10′ so as to cause its inflation/deflation and/or a disposition into the expanded and/or contracted orientation.

Due to its intended positioning between the inner surface of the pericardium 102 and the outer surface of the myocardium or heart wall in a preferred location, the exterior surface portions of positioning member 10 may be structured to facilitate engagement with the respective surfaces. As schematically represented in FIG. 2A, the positioning member 10 and/or 10′ include a first and second outer surface 15 and 15′ structured to facilitate an operative, intended engagement with the inner pericardial surface of the pericardium 102 and the exterior surface of the myocardium or wall of the heart 100. Therefore, a first surface portion 15 comprises a coating or other appropriate structure 17, which facilitates a gripping engagement with the inner pericardial surface. In contrast, the second surface portion 15′ also includes a structural modification such as a second coating 18, which is structured to establish a substantially smooth or non-frictional engagement with the exterior surface of the heart wall. Intended disposition in an operative, force delivering relation of the positioning member 10 or 10′ is facilitated by the provision of a retaining assembly, generally indicated as 20 in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

More specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the retaining assembly 20 includes a retaining structure in the form of at least one semi-rigid guide wire 22 or like structure having sufficient flexibility and appropriate structural integrity that it can be maneuvered around the ventricular wall of the heart and/or the large vessels of the cardio-outflow tracks, such as through the transverse sinus. It is noted that FIG. 3 represents a single guide wire is 22. However, one or more of such guide wires or other appropriately equivalent structures may be utilized to position and maintain the positioning member 10 or 10′ in an intended position′ Such an intended, operative position facilitates the exertion of a sufficient and properly directed force 120 on the heart 100 to temporarily and repetitively cause a shape variance of the heart 100. Further, the appropriate force 120 exerted on the heart 100 is sufficiently and accurately directed to apply a lifting or positioning force to the ventricular wall 110 supporting the tethered papillary muscle. As a result, an affected leaflet, in at least some specific applications the tethered posterior leaflet, will be lifted or positioned into coapting or closing relation to the anterior or counterpart leaflet of the mitral valve.

With additional reference to the prior art schematic representation of FIG. 1 both the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve are indicated in a properly closed or coapted relation to one another. Accordingly, a properly directed force 120 exerted on the exterior of the ventricular wall will cause a temporary variance in the shape of at least a portion of the heart. As a result, the ventricular wall associated with the tethered papillary muscle will be lifted or positioned, to the extent of lifting or positioning the affected leaflet of the mitral valve into the closed orientation, as generally represented in FIG. 1, to restrict or prevent mitral regurgitation.

As emphasized hereinafter repetitive lifting or exertion of force on the proper portion of the ventricular wall will be synchronized with the beating of the heart or cardiac cycle. Therefore, the affected mitral valve leaflet will be brought into closing relation with its counterpart leaflet on a regular and consistent basis in order to properly perform both systoly and dystoly of the heart during the cardiac cycle. Further, the lifting force is schematically represented in at least some of the accompanying Figures as directional arrows 120. As also emphasized, the lifting force 120 causes the temporary change in the shape of the heart 100 resulting in the lifting and positioning of the ventricular wall and leaflet of the mitral valve upon the intended expansion or inflation of the positioning member 10 or 10′.

The retaining assembly 20, as represented in FIGS. 4 and 5, defines yet another preferred embodiment, wherein the retaining structure 24 is dimensioned and configured to overlie, cover, or at least partially enclosed and/or surround the biventricular wall portion on the exterior of the heart 100. With reference to FIG. 1, the exterior of the biventricular wall is defined by the exterior wall portion surrounding or at least bounding a portion of both the right ventricle and the left ventricle. Accordingly, the retaining structure 24 may be in the form of a net-like device such as a net-like bag, sack, sock, etc. of sufficient dimension to enclose or surround the biventricular wall of the heart 100 as indicated above. Moreover, the retaining structure 24 may further comprise an open mesh configuration at least partially defined by a plurality of overlying, interconnected strands as at 26 at least partially disposed in spaced relation to one another. When the positioning assembly 10 or 10′ is used in combination with the net-like retaining structure 24, it is disposed and maintained on the interior thereof when the positioning structure 10 or 10′ assumes the expanded/inflated or contracted/deflated orientations. A sufficient and appropriate force 120 will thereby be exerted on the ventricular wall, primarily of the left ventricle which is tethered to the affected leaflet such as the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, depicted in schematic form in FIG. 1.

With primary reference to FIG. 4 yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention may include at least some of the plurality of strands 26 of the retaining structure 24 being formed of an inflatable material and being connected to the pump assembly 12. As such, at least some of the plurality of strands 26 are inflated and deflated by activation and operation of the pump assembly 12. In such capacity the inflation/deflation of the plurality of strands 26 will effectively define these strands 26 as the aforementioned positioning member. In operation, the plurality of strands 26 repetitively and temporarily apply a lifting or positioning force 120 to at least the ventricular wall associated with a tethered papillary muscle of the affected leaflet of the mitral valve. As such the appropriate force 120 will be applied during the inflation of the plurality of strands 26.

Further, the inflatable strands 26 will be connected directly to the pump assembly 12 as at 14, and may be used in combination with an expandable and contactable positioning assembly 10 or 10′ which itself may or may not be inflatable. In contrast, the structuring of the retaining structure 24 to have at least some of the strands 26 being inflatable may be used independently of the positioning structure 10 or 10′. Moreover, the inflation and deflation of the plurality of strands 26 effectively defines the positioning structure at least to the extent of exerting sufficient forces 120 on the exterior of the heart wall to accomplish the preferred lifting or positioning of the ventricular wall and repositioning of the prolapsing leaflet of the mitral valve.

With primary reference to FIG. 5, yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the retainer assembly 20, which may be in the form of the retaining structure 24 being directly associated with an activating assembly generally indicated as 40. Moreover, the activating assembly 40 comprises a plurality of electrodes 42 connected to or mounted on a plurality of the strands 26 of the retaining structure 24 and disposed in engaging and/or sensing relation to the exterior of the heart. As such, the plurality of electrodes 42 are disposed and structured to sense and determine electrical activity of the heart 100 and direct such data or information to a processor assembly 44. In turn, the processor 44 is operative in combination with appropriate circuitry 46 to accomplish both sensing capabilities and pacing capabilities. Therefore, the processor 44 and circuitry 46 is connected to the plurality of the electrodes 42, such that the electrical activity of the heart is detected and/or determined by the processor 44 and circuitry 46.

Therefore, the sensing capabilities associated with the activating assembly 40 are operative to synchronize the expansion and contraction of the positioning assembly 10, 10′ with the heartbeat or cardiac cycle of the heart 100. As such, the expansion and/or inflation of the positioning structure 10, 10′ and/or the inflatable strands 26 of the retaining structure 24 will exert an appropriate lifting or positioning of the ventricular wall of the heart in accordance with the ventricular ejection phase or systoly of the heart causing the closure of the mitral valve leaflets, thereby restricting or preventing mitral regurgitation. In turn, the aforementioned pacing capabilities of the activating assembly 40 are operative to stimulate the heart into a biventricular resynchronization in order to perform normal or adequate systoly/diastoly functioning of the heart in a prescribed manner. As further indicated, the processor 44 and/or circuitry 46 may be electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes 42, as at 47 either through a hardwire connection passing through the thoracic chamber 104 or otherwise be disposed on the interior thereof. Such an electrical connection may occur by a hardwire connection 47 or other wireless connection as appropriate.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described, 

What is claimed is:
 1. The system for treating heart valve malfunction including mitral regurgitation, said system comprising; a positioning structure operative to assume an expanded orientation and a contracted orientation, a retaining assembly positioned and structured to dispose said positioning structure in moveably positioning relation to an exterior of a wall of the heart, said retaining assembly and said positioning member cooperatively disposed and structured to accomplish a shape variance of the heart, substantially concurrent to said expanded orientation of said positioning assembly, and said shape variance at least partially defining the positioning of a mitral valve into a predetermined orientation which restricts mitral regurgitation.
 2. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said predetermined orientation comprises a positioning of at least a portion of the mitral valve during systoly.
 3. A system as recited in claim 2 wherein said predetermined orientation further comprises a dynamic positioning of portions of the mitral valve sufficient to facilitate diastolic filling.
 4. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining assembly is positioned to operatively dispose said positioning structure in moveably supporting relation to an exterior of a ventricular wall of the heart, corresponding to a tethered papillary muscle.
 5. A system as recited in claim 4 wherein said retaining assembly is disposed in engaging, retained relation with a biventricular mass of the heart.
 6. A system as recited in claim 4 wherein said retaining wherein said positioning structure comprises at least one inflatable member structured to respectively define said expanded and contracted orientation as an inflation and a deflation of said inflatable member.
 7. A system as recited in claim 1 further comprising a pump assembly disposed in fluid communication with said one inflatable member, said pump assembly structured to regulate said inflation and said deflation of said one inflatable member.
 8. A system as recited in claim 7 wherein said pump assembly comprises a sufficiently reduced dimension to facilitate operative placement thereof within the chest cavity.
 9. A system as recited in claim 6 wherein one inflatable member comprises a bladder at least partially formed of a flexible, inflatable material.
 10. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining assembly comprises a retaining structure dimensioned and configured for disposition in at least partially covering relation to a biventricular mass of the myocardium.
 11. A system as recited in claim 10 wherein said retaining structure comprises an open mesh material including a plurality of strands disposed in at least partially spaced relation to one another, said strands collectively disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to the biventricular mass and concurrently in retaining relation to said positioning structure.
 12. A system as recited in claim 11 wherein said retaining relation comprises said positioning structure disposed in a lifting relation to a ventricular wall corresponding to a capillary muscle tethered to the mitral valve, when said positioning member is in said expanded orientation.
 13. A system as recited in claim 11 wherein said positioning structure comprises at least some of said plurality of strands being inflated into expanded orientation and deflatable contracted orientation.
 14. A system as recited in claim 13 wherein said plurality of strands and a remainder of said retaining structure are cooperatively disposed and structured to exert a lifting force on the ventricular wall portion corresponding to a papillary muscle tethered to the mitral valve, when in an inflated, expanded orientation; said lifting relation at least partially defining a shape variance of the heart including a positioning of the mitral valve into an orientation which restricts mitral regurgitation.
 15. A system as recited in claim 10 further comprising an activating assembly connected to said retaining structure in an operative relation to the heart, said activating assembly structured to detect electrical activity of the heart.
 16. A system as recited in claim 15 wherein said activating assembly includes sensing capabilities operative to synchronize expansion and contraction of said positioning structure with the cardiac cycle.
 17. A system as recited in claim 16 wherein said activating assembly includes pacing capabilities operative to stimulate the heart into biventricular resynchronization pacing.
 18. A system as recited in claim 16 wherein said activating assembly comprises a plurality of electrodes connected to said retaining structure in at least partially spaced relation to one another; said plurality of electrodes collectively structured to demonstrate said sensing and said pacing capabilities.
 19. A system as recited in claim 16 wherein said activating assembly further comprises a processor electrically connected to said plurality of electrodes and operatively determinative of said sensing capabilities and including said synchronized expansion and contraction of said retaining structure.
 20. A system as recited in claim 19 wherein said processor is electrically connected to said plurality of electrodes and operatively determinative of said pacing capabilities.
 21. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said positioning structure is operatively disposed between an inner surface of a pericardium and an outer surface of the myocardium.
 22. A system as recited in claim 21 wherein said positioning structure comprises a first surface portion and a second surface portion respectively structured to facilitate predetermined operative engagement with an inner pericardial surface and an exterior surface of the myocardium.
 23. A system as recited in claim 22 wherein said first surface portion is structured to include a first coating structured to facilitate a gripping engagement with the inner pericardial surface.
 24. A system as recited in claim 22 wherein said second surface portion is structured to include a second coating structured to facilitate a substantially non-frictional engagement with the outer surface of the myocardium.
 25. A system for treating mitral regurgitation comprising a positioning structure operative to assume an expanded orientation and a contracted orientation, a retaining structure disposed and structured to maintain said positioning structure within the pericardium in moveably positioning relation to a ventricular wall portion of the heart, said retaining assembly comprising a retaining structure dimensioned and configured for disposition in at least partially covering relation to a biventricular mass of the myocardium concurrently in retaining relation to said positioning structure, said positioning structure disposed in lifting relation to a ventricular wall portion corresponding to a papillary muscle tethered to the mitral valve, when said positioning structure is in said expanded orientation, and said lifting relation at least partially defining a shape variance of the heart including a positioning of the mitral valve into an orientation which restricts mitral regurgitation.
 26. A system as recited in claim 25 wherein said positioning structure comprises at least one inflatable member structured to respectively define said expanded and contracted orientation as an inflation and a deflation of said one inflatable member.
 27. A system as recited in claim 26 wherein said retaining structure comprises an open mesh material including a plurality of strands disposed in at least partially spaced relation to one another, said strands collectively disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to the biventricular mass and concurrently in retaining relation to said positioning structure.
 28. A system as recited in claim 25 further comprising an activating assembly connected in operative relation to the heart, said activating assembly structured to detect electrical activity of the heart including sensing capabilities operative to synchronize expansion and contraction of the retaining structure with the cardiac cycle.
 29. A system as recited in claim 28 wherein said activating assembly includes pacing capabilities operative to stimulate the heart into biventricular resynchronization pacing.
 30. A system as recited in claim 25 wherein said positioning structure is operatively disposed between an inner surface of the pericardium and an outer surface of the myocardium.
 31. A system as recited in claim 30 wherein said positioning member comprises first and second surface portions respectively including first and second coatings; said first and second coatings respectively structured to facilitate a gripping engagement with the inner pericardial surface and a substantially non-frictional engagement with the outer surface of the myocardium. 